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Question 3

Using John 14:21, the chapter ties love for God to keeping His commandments, yet insists it’s possible to keep external commands without truly loving God (as with the Pharisees); what are concrete examples today of “external” obedience that can exist without love, and how can a person tell which kind they are practicing?

Another way to ask: What are some examples today of obeying God “on the outside” without real love for Him? How can you tell whether your own obedience is mostly outward or truly loving?

Direct Answer The transcript doesn’t list modern examples, but it clearly teaches that outward, “external” obedience can be practiced from fear or duty like the Pharisees; a person can tell by whether obedience is joined to real affection, surrender, and desire for fellowship with God.

Support from Transcript:

John 14:21 is central: “He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me.”
He asks, “Is it possible to keep God’s commandments without loving Him? To an extent,” especially “the external ones.”
“The Pharisees did that,” keeping many commands while missing the greatest.
He contrasts love with “fear obedience and dutiful obedience,” saying love is not their “primary force.”
Scugall’s description gives tests: love “desires above all things to please Him” and “delights… to be in fellowship and communion with Him.”
Love means being “ready to do or suffer anything for His sake,” not merely maintaining appearances.

Discussion Follow-ups When you obey, do you mainly feel relief that you avoided trouble (fear), pride that you performed (duty), or joy in pleasing and being with God (love)?

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